MPI UK and Ireland Chapter President, Samme Allen, proudly announced this year’s winner during the association’s cocktail reception at European meetings and incentive trade show EITBM in Barcelona.

The scholarship will provide Dashwood-Evans with sponsored registration, accommodation and travel to experience the professional development and networking at the European Meetings and Events Conference (EMEC) taking place in Budapest from 29 to 31 January 2012.

“Dominique’s application was well thought out and she clearly has a passion for our industry based on the work she has done to date [mostly on a voluntary basis],” said Allen. “In the judges’ opinion she demonstrated a strong understanding of the value and significance of this award.”

The winner will be mentored at EMEC 2012 by members of the UK Chapter board and members of the Excel London and Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) team.

“Winning the scholarship was a huge surprise, attending the conference will provide me with the opportunity to develop a more professional presentation building my confidence for future occasions,” said Dashwood-Evans. “It will also prove invaluable for my dissertation which looks into how social media can influence the decision making of events planners, as social media is a topic that will be covered in the specific interest sessions at the conference.

“I am also very grateful as I am keen to build relationships with both suppliers and planners for my future career.”

The Vanessa Cotton Memorial Scholarship was launched on 12 September 2011 in honour of UK event industry veteran Vanessa Cotton. The funds are set to enhance the opportunities presented to those beginning their careers in the meetings and events industry while creating a lasting legacy for the respected industry leader.

Each collaborator in the scholarship, which includes Excel London, RTE and the MPI UK and Ireland Chapter, has committed €350 for the next five years with plans to increase fundraising and send more students to EMEC.